Ryan Seacrest reportedly close to inking deal to host NBC's 'The Million Second Quiz'

The American Idol host is in talks with NBC to host its upcoming The Million Second Quiz competition show, The Hollywood Reporterreported.

The hosting job would be a new extension of Seacrest's existing relationship with NBC's NBC Universal parent company -- which also includes E! network -- with whom he signed a two-year agreement back in Spring 2012. In addition to serving as managing editor for E! News and hosting the network's coverage of various entertainment events, Seacrest already serves as a special correspondent for NBC's Today, contributes to NBC News and produces entertainment programming for NBC as part of the agreement.

Seacrest's Ryan Seacrest Productions production company also produces several reality shows for NBC Universal's various television networks -- including Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Wanted Life for E! as well as Shah's of Sunset for Bravo.

The Million Second Quiz, which NBC announced it had ordered in April, will feature contestants testing their knowledge, endurance and will to win as they compete in "intense bouts of trivia" for 12 consecutive days and nights in attempt to earn a cash prize of $1 million or more, according to the network.

The competition will air from a giant hourglass-shaped structure in Manhattan, where four players -- who must be reigning champions to continue competing -- will live and play the game 24/7 to avoid being dethroned by other competitors. Viewers will also be able to play along in real time in the hopes of winning the chance to appear on the show.

The Million Second Quiz will air nightly on NBC from 8-9PM ET beginning on Monday, September 9 and continue through Thursday, September 19 -- which will serve as the show's special two-hour finale episode at 8PM ET. The only exception will be Sunday, September 15, when the broadcast will be preempted for Sunday Night Football.